ST. MAURICE CHURCH

Right in the heart of the city, between Lille Flandres station and the Grand-Place, this church is one of Lille's jewels. Built between the ^14th and late ^19th centuries in a neo-Gothic style, it impresses with the size of its nave, choir and transepts, not to mention its broad facade, with the bell tower with its endless openwork spire planted in the middle. The church houses an exceptional collection of works from former convents in the city. Its majestic stained-glass windows date from the late ^19th century and are the work of Lille glass painter Charles Gaudelet (some of the windows were restored following their destruction in the bombardments of the First and Second World Wars). Today, Saint-Maurice church is one of the three bell towers of the Saint-Eubert parish. It hosts exhibitions and cultural events. It is also a haven of peace in the city, where people stop to rest, pray and reconcile with God.